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After four underwhelming seasons in Detroit, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski is reporting that Stan Van Gundy is out as Pistons Coach and President of Basketball Operations:
Source: Stan Van Gundy and the Pistons have parted ways.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 7, 2018
Van Gundy had one year and $7 million remaining on his original five-year deal that he signed with the team in 2014.
Reports last week indicated that team owner Tom Gores wanted Van Gundy to remain the team’s head coach, “but would prefer for that scenario to include structural changes to the franchise’s front office,” in which Van Gundy has had final say on all personnel matters. This is similar to the restructure that the Clippers undertook with coach Doc Rivers last season.
Never one to mince words, Bill Simmons weighed in on Van Gundy’s firing:
Dear Detroit,
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) May 7, 2018
Sorry about taking Kennard over Mitchell, overpaying Reggie Jackson, taking Stanley Johnson over getting four 1sts from Boston, ruining your salary cap with the Blake trade, and leaving you without a 2018 1st. I’m gonna go do TV, I’ll see you later.
—Thanks, SVG
Woj also reports that the Pistons have interest in former NBA player and current broadcaster Brent Barry for what would be a non-President of Basketball Operations front office role:
Sources: One candidate expected to be strongly considered for a role in a revamped Pistons front office -- Brent Barry.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 7, 2018
In four seasons with the Pistons, Van Gundy compiled a 152-176 record.